Raiders likely to snub Ferguson for rest of year as he plans exit strategy

Jon Tuxworth, Chris Dutton

Absent: Blake Ferguson has been criticised for going out in Sydney. Photo: Instagram

Blake Ferguson's Canberra career appears to be over. The star centre seems to be on the outer with several teammates and the Raiders look desperate to repair the club's culture by taking a tough stance on player behaviour.

It is understood interim Raiders coach Andrew Dunemann will overlook Ferguson for the rest of the season. The NSW representative is not expected to be named on Tuesday to play the Warriors.

It was also alleged on Channel Nine Ferguson was partying at nightclubs in Sydney until 1am on Sunday and was advised to leave a Kings Cross nightspot.

Ferguson failed to attend the Raiders' 36-22 loss to Manly at Canberra Stadium on Sunday and was granted leave to be in Sydney for a family matter.

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There are just two games left in the season and, despite having two years left on his Raiders deal, Ferguson is expected to use a get-out clause in his contract making it unlikely he will play for them again.

The get-out clause can be activated after the club's board sacked coach David Furner last week.

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Ferguson was photographed at the Clovelly Hotel on Saturday with Sharks star Todd Carney.

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He has rejected suggestions he was fit to play against Manly, despite Dunemann saying he was not injured. Drinking alcohol while injured is a breach of a team protocol.

It is understood Ferguson wasn't considered for selection last week and will not play this weekend, irrespective of his injury status.

Canberra must win its last two matches of the regular season to be any chance of making the finals.

Raiders teammates were surprised when they learned of Ferguson's absence at the clash against Manly and believe it is a sign he wants out of the club.

Ferguson used Twitter to defend himself from suggestions he wasn't injured and to explain his decision to be in Sydney, insisting he had not passed a fitness test.

''Just so all you raiders fans understand! I never passed a fitness test on my hip flexor, that's why I never played!'' he tweeted. ''Didn't know going out to dinner with mates was such a big problem! Guess this is what it has come to :(.''

Ferguson's former side, Cronulla, is favourite to sign him. It was revealed last Friday Sharks skipper Paul Gallen had phoned him while he was training with Tony Mundine.

Ferguson told Canberra he needed to be in Sydney for family issues. His absence was discussed at a board meeting before the match, and Raiders chairman John McIntyre said they were satisfied with his explanation.